‘The Following’ Renewed for Season 2

Serial killer dramas have become quite the reliable sub-genre for television in recent years. Shows like Dexter and NBC’s upcoming Hannibal explore the dark and dangerous minds of killers on a weekly basis, and in many cases, audiences are fascinated with the results.

So when FOX launched The Following in January, the network received tons of advance buzz regarding the series. After all, the show is headlined by Kevin Bacon and is created by writer Kevin Williamson of the Scream films and current TV hit The Vampire Diaries. On that name recognition alone, The Following had a lot to live up to.

Only six episodes have aired, but already the show has met FOX’s expectations and received renewal for season 2. Kevin Reilly, chairman of entertainment at FOX released the following statement regarding the show’s return next season:

“From the very beginning, we felt Kevin Williamson and Marcos Siega had created a high-
quality, edge-of-your-seat drama that could break from the pack, and it is exciting to see the
audience responding. Kevin Bacon and James Purefoy have given us two of the
most compelling characters on television and the entire cast is incredible. I’m delighted to have
this thrill ride continue on FOX for another season.”

Given the overwhelmingly positive response The Following has received since its premiere (including our own review), the show’s renewal for season 2 isn’t much of a surprise. The series’ unique take on the genre – which involves an incarcerated killer (Purefoy) with legions of disciples on the outside – lends it a more original approach to the slasher-of-the-week format of other series, and allows for a developing conflict between the two leads.

In addition, The Following‘s ratings already place it among the highest rated dramas of the season. It remains to be seen whether or not the show can sustain that audience over several seasons, but thus far, it appears that FOX has a bonafide hit on its hands.

Are you excited that The Following is sticking around for season 2? Let us know in the comments.